3.20.85 Licensing Investigations in Group Care Facilities

Applies to:  This policy applies to Licensing Division (LD) employees. 

Chapter Number & Title:  3.20 Foster Care, Group Care Facilities (GCF), and Child Placing Agencies (CPA) 

Policy Number & Title: 3.20.85 Licensing Investigations in Group Care Facilities

Effective Date:  May 1, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance when conducting licensing investigations to determine if a violation occurred in Group Care Facilities (GCF). 

Authority

Chapter 74.15 RCW  Care of Children, Expectant Mothers, Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Chapter 110-145 WAC  Licensing Requirements for Group Care Facilities

Policy

  1. Group care licensors must complete the following when complaints are received in GCFs:
    1. Conduct licensing investigations to determine if a violation of chapter 110-145 WAC has occurred.
    2. Immediately address any violations identified during the investigation that threaten the health, safety, and well-being of children or youth placed in the GCF. 
    3. Determine findings within 60 calendar days of the date of the complaint and notify the GCF of the results in writing as either a: 
      1. Valid finding, when based on the facts obtained during the investigation when there is reasonable cause to believe a licensing violation occurred. 
      2. Not valid finding, when based on the facts obtained during the investigation when either:
        1. There is reasonable cause to believe a licensing violation did not occur.
        2. It cannot be determined a licensing violation occurred.
    4. Assist the GCFs in resolving violations to bring their facility back into compliance.
    5. Request an extension if they are unable to complete the investigation within 60 calendar days of the complaint.
    6. Notify the GCF director or designee of the results of the investigation in writing. 
  2. Group care supervisors:
    1. May approve requests to extend a licensing investigation beyond 60 calendar days.
    2. Must document the reason for the request in a provider note.

Resources

Licensing Investigations on Group Care Facilities (GCF) procedures (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, licensing division procedures)

Original Date:  February 15, 1998

Revised Date:  May 1, 2026

Review Date:  May 31, 2030

Approved by:  Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division